1.28.2013

7 Things to Know About Quinoa

You probably have seen quinoa just about everywhere.  Its the rage right now and people are using it in everything from burgers to cookies.  Its incredibly good for you, very versatile and really easy to use. Try it out, I think you will love it!

1. What's in a name.
Pronounced KEEN-wah, it's a slightly chewy, mildly flavored seed derived from a plant in the chard and spinach family. For all practical purposes, however, it’s treated like a grain.


2. Red or white? Both red and white varieties of quinoa can be used interchangeably in recipes. The red grain tends to have an earthier flavor and is harder to find.


3. Packed with protein. Like other whole grains, quinoa is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It’s also packed with protein, making it a popular vegan and vegetarian alternative to meat.


4. 15-min prep. Another part of quinoa’s growing popularity is its quick and easy cooking time—about 15 minutes from start to finish. The simplest preparation is one part quinoa to two parts water. Bring to a boil, simmer until light and fluffy and then season as desired.


5. Super substitute. Try quinoa as a substitute for rice, barley, bulgur or couscous in salads and side dishes. You may need to adjust the quantity of dressing or sauce because quinoa’s delicate and fluffy texture becomes soggy in too much liquid.


6. Weekly stock-up. Quinoa is delicious hot or cold. Make up a big batch of quinoa and store in the fridge for meals throughout the week.


7. Breakfast, lunch or dinner! For breakfast, try quinoa as a hot cereal with fruit and nuts (recipe below). For a hearty, healthy lunch, just add chopped veggies and your favorite vinaigrette. For dinner, toss quinoa with roasted root vegetables and pair with meat or fish.

Source: Live Better Americ

No comments: